Joseph R. Cyr, Jr. Jr.

Joseph R. "Joe" Cyr, Jr., 70

Beloved Highland Falls native, West Point public affairs professional, radio broadcaster, mentor, and friend

Joseph R. "Joe" Cyr, Jr., a lifelong resident of Highland Falls, New York, passed away on July 23, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital in Newburgh after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was 70 years old.

Joe was born in Miami, Florida, to the late Elsie Seibert of Highland Falls and Joseph R. Cyr, Sr. of West Point. Though born in Florida, Joe was Highland Falls through and through-raised in the village, educated at Highland Falls High School, and rooted in its tight-knit community for nearly all his life.

Following high school, Joe worked at Highland Falls Utility before heading to college in Boston, where he earned degrees in Communications and Journalism. While there, he immersed himself in the city's legendary music scene, developing a lifelong passion for rock and roll that would become central to his identity and his friendships.

Joe began his broadcasting career in 1978 at WALL Radio in Middletown, NY, where he served as News Director under the guidance of broadcasting icons "Cousin" Bruce Morrow and Robert F.X. Sillerman. It was at WALL that Joe met Alex and Stella Miller-fellow radio and music lovers-forming a deep, enduring friendship that would shape all their lives. Together, they shared many memorable moments on-air, including election night 1980 and the breaking news of John Lennon's tragic passing. Joe would later join the Millers again at WTBQ in Warwick and worked as a reporter at WBNR in Beacon, NY.

In 1985, Joe was hired as the only civilian in the U.S. Military Academy's Public Affairs Office at West Point. Over the next 35 years, Joe became the steady voice behind WKDT Radio, providing essential updates on weather, road conditions, and emergency alerts, while also serving as a behind-the-scenes presence during countless events and media interactions. He was known not only for his calm under pressure but for the warmth and humanity he brought to every interaction.

Joe was known affectionately as West Point's "Military Hippie"-a unique figure whose long hair, encyclopedic pop culture knowledge, and Grateful Dead shirts were as much a part of the landscape as the stone walls of the Academy itself. But beyond appearances, Joe was a deeply thoughtful, compassionate, and principled man. He was a voracious reader, an ardent Yankees fan, and a collector of music, books, and fantasy memorabilia. More than anything, he was a mentor and father figure to generations of cadets-always ready with advice, perspective, and a well-timed quip or lyric. For those who needed guidance or simply someone who listened, Joe was a constant.

Joe's loyalty extended beyond work. He remained deeply connected to the Highland Falls community throughout his life, with morning breakfasts at Andy's Restaurant, daily newspaper runs, and conversations with old and new neighbors. He had a special bond with his longtime neighbor Mike and formed close friendships with Monika and Geoff, who moved in two decades ago and quickly became family. His home was a touchstone for visiting cadets, former colleagues, and childhood friends who never lost touch.

His devotion to his parents was unwavering. In the final decade of their lives, Joe provided around-the-clock care, allowing them to remain in their home with dignity and comfort. His father, Joseph Sr., passed in 2014, and his mother, Elsie, in 2017. Joe's dedication during those years reflected a quiet strength and humility that inspired all who knew him.

Joe never married nor had children of his own, but he filled that role for many-offering emotional and practical support to cadets far from home, friends navigating life's challenges, and anyone in need of kindness. He lived modestly but gave generously of himself, and in doing so, earned the affection and admiration of countless lives he touched.

Joe's passing leaves a deep void, but his memory will be carried forward in the stories shared by friends like Alex and Stella Miller, his neighbors Mike, Monika, and Geoff, and the many West Point cadets who came to see him not just as a mentor, but as family.

As per Joe's wishes, he has been cremated and his ashes will be privately scattered in a meaningful location. A public celebration of his life is being planned for Spring 2026. Details will be shared at a later date.

If you knew Joe-whether through a shared love of music, a late-night radio broadcast, a heartfelt conversation, or a quiet act of kindness-you knew a man who stood by his values, his friends, and his community.

Joe, wherever your spirit roams, we hear you still.

Play it loud.